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Mercer County Technical Schools

Health Science Academy 2016-2017

Application for Selection to the

National Honor Society

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Contents Page Application Information 3 Part 1 - Student Information 4 Part 2 - Extra-Curricular Activities 5 Part 3 – Leadership Positions 6 Part 4 – Service Activities 7 Part 5 – Work Experience, Recognition and Awards 8 The Selection Process 9 Appeals Process – Non-Selected Students 10 Obligations of National Honor Society Membership 10 Dismissal Process 11 Bylaws-Mercer County Technical School 12-16 Health Science Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society National Honor Society Evaluation Form (3) 17-19

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Application for Selection to the National Honor Society Mercer County Technical Schools

HEALTH SCIENCE ACADEMY 2016-2017

Application Information

DIRECTIONS: Complete ALL sections. Please type or print neatly. Do not be modest; faculty will consider all of the information as part of the evaluation process. When a student is not selected, it usually means that the committee did not see adequate evidence of one or more of the required traits outlined below. Please be aware that completion of this form does NOT guarantee selection. Applications are due to Mrs. Nemeth by Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Applications WILL NOT be accepted after the due date. IMPORTANT: Please read the description of each of the standards carefully as you describe your contributions and strengths. Be thorough, accurate, and orderly so that it documents specific ways you have demonstrated leadership, service, and character. In addition, you are to provide four, well-written paragraphs explaining how your activities and experiences have exemplified these three standards. Please be aware that neatness and attention to detail on your application is a factor! LEADERSHIP: A wholesome influence on the school. The real leader takes the initiative in class and school activities and strives to train and aid others to attain the same objective. The committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant consistently strives to influence and lead others in a positive, wholesome manner, through his or her actions, effort and attitude. SERVICE: Willingness to work without compensation or without recognition for the benefit of those in need. Service can be described in various ways, but a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need, without monetary compensation or without recognition, is the value that we seek in our membership. The committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant has served his or her class, school, or community at a higher level than the average student. CHARACTER: The force that distinguishes one individual from another. The individual with good character meets individual goals and responsibilities, is honest and reliable, demonstrates desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, neatness, poise, stability), cooperates by complying with school regulations, and upholds principles of morality and ethics. The committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant is trustworthy and is, in reality, what he or she wished to appear to be to others. NOTE: Information about the selection process, appeals process, member obligations, dismissal process, and NHS By-Laws is included in this packet. Faculty Evaluation Forms are also included in this packet for you to ask your teachers for recommendations. Please read them and follow the directions.

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STUDENT INFORMATION

PART I (Please Print)

Full Name ________________________________________________________________________ Home Address ____________________________________________________________________ E-Mail ________________________________________Phone Number ______________________ Application Review Process

March 21, 2017 Application Due Interim Faculty Committee Review April 21, 2017 Notifications given May 25, 2017 Induction Ceremony 6 PM, C Building Cafeteria

To the student: I understand that completing this form does not guarantee selection into the National Honor Society and that the information presented here is accurate. I have read the membership guidelines and fully understand that if offered admission, I will uphold all responsibilities of the National Honor Society. Included in these responsibilities, but not necessarily limited to, are the following: 1) Regular attendance at meetings and/or regularly checking messages sent to “@students.mcts.edu” by the Advisor 2) Attendance at induction ceremonies for new members 3) Completion of NHS sponsored community service hours 4) Participation in school wide project(s) or activities

I also recognize that I must maintain a GPA of 3.75 and may be removed from the society for failing to meet any of these requirements.

Student Name (Print) Student Signature Date To the Parents/Guardian: I have read the information provided by my student on this form and can verify that it is true, accurate and complete in its presentation. I understand that completion of this form does not guarantee selection to NHS. I understand the privilege of membership and the consequences (probation or possible dismissal from the group) of not upholding the characteristics of the organization.

Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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PART 2

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES List all activities, inside and outside of school, in which you have participated during high school. For example, clubs, teams and musical groups. Include a few details about your accomplishments in those activities, such as fundraising, awards, etc.

Activity Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Accomplishments

Describe, in one paragraph, how you have developed character through participation in these activities and others.

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PART 3

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS List all elected or appointed leadership positions held in school, community or work activities. Include only those positions in which you were responsible for directing or motivating others. For example: elected student body, class or club officer, committee chairperson, team captain, newsletter editor, work area supervisor, or community leader.

Leadership Position Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Activity or organization

Describe, in one paragraph, how you exhibit the qualities of a good leader.

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PART 4

SERVICE ACTIVITIES List all community service activities you have participated in that have benefited the school and/or the community. These should be any activities outside of school in which you participated for the betterment of your community. For example: church groups, clubs sponsored outside the school, Boy or Girl Scouts, volunteer groups, or community endeavors.

Community Activity Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Name and phone number of the sponsor

Describe, in one paragraph, how you have exemplified your willingness to be of service to the school community.

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PART 5

WORK EXPERIENCE, RECOGNITION AND AWARDS List all (paid or volunteer) job experiences, honors and/or recognitions that you have received which support your bid to be selected for membership into the National Honor Society.

Job, Recognition or Award

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Group or Activity/Number of Hours Spent on Job or Volunteer Activity

If the above section is blank, please explain. SLJ/svk 12/2012;SN/lw 2/2016; 1/2017 rev.

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Mercer County Technical Schools Health Science Academy

Chapter of the National Honor Society

The Selection Process

The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of Mercer County Technical School-Health Science Academy. Step 1

Students’ academic records are reviewed to determine those persons who are scholastically eligible for membership, i.e.: Candidates eligible for selection to the chapter shall have:

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75, cumulative weighted grade point average at the end of their sophomore year. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed, and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy.

Step 2 Students who are eligible scholastically (i.e., candidates) are notified and informed that for further selection consideration to the chapter, they may complete the Student Information Form. This form outlines the candidate’s accomplishments in such areas as Service and Leadership. This form is signed by the student and his/her parent(s), indicating that the content is both complete and accurate. Step 3 Students present three faculty members of their choice with a Faculty Evaluation Form. These forms are kept confidential by the Faculty Council. The actual selection of new members, however, is made by a vote of the five appointed members of the Faculty Council. Each student’s name is removed from the Faculty Evaluation Form and students are assigned a number. From this point on, until the final selection, absolute anonymity is maintained. A candidate must receive an acceptable rating (3 or 4) in each of the categories of character, leadership, and service on the Faculty Evaluation Form. Only after the Faculty Council makes its decisions are the numbers identified as names of students. Step 4 Those candidates receiving a majority vote of the Faculty Council shall be named to the Principal prior to being invited for induction into the chapter. The induction ceremony for successful candidates will be held in May at the Health Science Academy-Assunpink Center. Further information will follow in a letter to each successful candidate.

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Appeals Process – Non-Selected Students

Section 1. In cases of non-selection, students have three school days to submit their appeal

in writing to the advisor. Section 2. The advisor has two days to reply to the appeal and set up a meeting inviting the

student, parents/guardians and an administrator. Section 3. Said meeting must commence within seven days after the initial appeal letter is

received. Section 4. The administrator may hear appeals and overturn decisions only in cases of

technical or procedural mistake. The professional and objective manner of the Faculty Council decision is otherwise final.

Obligations of NHS Membership

Maintaining Standards

Once selected, all members are expected to maintain the standards which are outlined in the Mercer County Technical Schools, Health Science Academy National Honor Society By-Laws.

Meetings

Meetings will be held monthly or as needed members are required to attend. Chapter officers, once elected by the members, will work closely with the Advisor to see that the agenda for all meetings is planned ahead of time.

Chapter Service Learning Project

All chapters are required to sponsor a chapter service project and all members are required to participate.

Individual Service Project In addition to the chapter service project noted above, members are to engage in additional service according to their own talents and interests. The quantity of this service and the degree to which the chapter monitors this activity is defined in the chapter bylaws.

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Dismissal Process

Section 1. Members should understand fully that they are subject to dismissal if they do

not maintain the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character that were used as a basis for their selection.

Section 2. Members who fall below the standards which were the basis for their selection

shall be promptly warned in writing by the chapter advisor and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency, except in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or civil laws, a member does not necessarily have to be warned in this instance.

Section 3. The Advisor in consultation with an Administrator shall determine when an

individual has exceeded a reasonable number of warnings. Section 4. In all cases of impending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Advisor

and the Faculty Council. Section 5. For purposes of dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council must ensue. Section 6. A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council

under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district. 12/13/2012/svk; SN/lw 2/2016 rev.

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BY-LAWS OF THE MERCER COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, HEALTH SCIENCE ACADEMY

CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE Section I. The name of this chapter shall be the Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society, Mercer County Technical Schools District. Section 2. The purpose of this chapter shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in students of Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy. ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Membership in this chapter shall be known as active, honorary, and graduate. Active members become graduate members at graduation. Graduate and honorary members have no vote in chapter affairs. Section 2. Membership in this chapter is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty, and shall be based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. CHARACTER Character is the force within each individual that distinguishes that person from others. It is that without which no one can respect oneself, not hope to attain the respect of others. It is this force of character that guides one through life. Character is achieved, not received. It is the product of constant action, striving daily to make the moral choices. We must be in reality what we wish to appear to others. By demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship, we may hope to prove by example that we value character. SCHOLARSHIP Scholarship entails a commitment to learning. A student is willing to spend hours in reading and study, knowing the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind. We should continue to learn even when formal education has ended, for education ends only with the end of life. Knowledge is one great element in life, which leads to the highest success, and it can be acquired only through diligence and effort. Members have the charge to continually expand their world through opportunities inherent in scholarship. LEADERSHIP Leadership should exert a wholesome influence on the school and its students. In taking the initiative in class and school activities, the real leader strives to train and aid others to attain the same objective. The price of leadership is sacrifice – the willingness to yield one’s personal interests for the interest of others. A leader has self-confidence and will go forward when others hesitate. Leadership is always needed; thus, to lead is a substantive charge to each of our members. SERVICE Service can be described in various ways. In the routine of the day’s work, many opportunities arise to help others. Willingness to work for benefit of those in need, without monetary compensation or without recognition, is the quality we seek in our members. We are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities to the creation of a better tomorrow.

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Section 3. Eligibility. a. Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must be members of the junior class. b. To be eligible for selection to the membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been in attendance for a period of two years at Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy. c. Candidates eligible for selection to the chapter shall have:

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 out of 4.00, cumulative weighted grade point average at the end of their sophomore year. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed, and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy. All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such standards may be admitted to candidacy for selection to membership. d. Upon meeting the grade level, attendance, and GPA standard requirements, candidates shall then be considered based on their service, leadership, and character. ARTICLE III: SELECTION OF MEMBERS Section 1. The selection of members to this chapter shall be by majority vote of the Faculty Council, consisting of five faculty members appointed by the Principal. The chapter adviser shall be the sixth, non-voting, ex-official member of the Faculty Council. Section 2. Prior to selection, the following shall occur:

a. Students’ academic records shall be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility. b. Students who are eligible scholastically (“candidates”) shall be notified and asked to complete and submit the NHS Candidate Student Activity Form for further consideration for selection. c. The faculty shall be requested to evaluate candidates determined to be scholastically

eligible using the Faculty Evaluation Form for NHS Selection provided by the chapter adviser.

d. The Faculty Council shall receive the NHS Candidate Student Activity Form and faculty evaluations in order to determine membership.

Section 3. The selection of new, active members shall be held once a year during the second semester of the school year. Section 4. Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony. Section 5. An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers from this school will be given a letter indicating the status of his/her membership and signed by the Principal and Adviser. ARTICLE IV: DISCIPLINE and DISMISSAL Section 1. Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, or service may be dismissed from the Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy chapter of the National Honor Society. A member of the National Honor Society is expected to maintain his/her academic standing. In addition, they must take an active role in service and leadership to his/her school community, which includes but is not limited to attending all NHS meetings and organized functions.

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Section 2. If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls below the standard in effect when he/she was selected, 3.75, he/she will be given a written warning and a time period for improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below standard at the end of the warning period, the student will be subject to further disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that may include dismissal from the chapter. Section 3. Violation of the law or school regulations can result in dismissal of a member. These violations include, but are not limited to: DWI, stealing, destruction of property, cheating, truancy, or possession, selling, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or school-related activities. Section 4. Offenders of the school code of conduct (such as use of profanity, failure to comply, unexcused absence, excessive tardiness, etc.) will receive written warning notification. A conference may be requested by either party (Faculty Council, student/parent). If the member is involved in another violation of the school code of conduct, the member may be dismissed. Section 5. In all cases of pending dismissal:

a. The member will receive written notification indicating the reason for possible dismissal from the adviser/Faculty Council. The member and adviser will discuss the written notification in a conference. Situations that involve flagrant violations of school rules or the law can warrant disciplinary action without a written warning, although a hearing must still be held (see below).

b. The member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charge against him/her at a hearing before the Faculty Council prior to the vote on dismissal. The member has the opportunity to present his/her defense either in person or in writing. The Faculty Council will then vote on whether to dismiss. A majority vote of the Faculty Council is needed to dismiss any member.

c. The results of the Faculty Council vote will be reviewed by the principal, and then, if confirmed, expressed in a letter sent to the student, parents, and principal. Dismissed members must surrender any membership emblems to the adviser.

d. The Faculty Council’s decision may be appealed to the building principal and afterwards through the school district discipline policy.

e. When a student is dismissed or resigns, he/she is no longer a member and may never again be considered for membership in the National Honor Society.

Section 6. In lieu of dismissal, the Faculty Council may impose disciplinary sanctions upon a member as deemed appropriate.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of the chapter shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Section 2. Student officers shall be elected at the last meeting of each school year. All returning active members are eligible to run for a position as an officer. All active members of the chapter are eligible to vote.

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Section 3. A majority vote shall be necessary to elect any officer of this chapter. If the first vote does not yield a majority, a second vote shall be taken of the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. Section 4. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at the meetings for this chapter. Section 5. The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president and shall also keep a record of members’ contributions to leadership and service. Section 6. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the meeting and responsible for all official correspondence. Section 7. The treasurer shall keep the record of chapter expenses, dues, and all other financial transactions of the chapter. ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The executive committee shall consist of the faculty adviser and the chapter officers. Section 2. The executive committee shall have general charge of the meetings and the business of the chapter, but any action by the executive committee is subject to the review of the chapter members. Section 3. All chapter members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled chapter meetings. ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS Section 1. Meetings of this chapter shall be weekly or bi-weekly. This is at the discretion of the advisor. Section 2. This chapter shall conduct its meetings according to Roberts Rules of Order Parliamentary Procedure. (www.robertsrules.com) Section 3. All chapter members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled chapter meetings

ARTICLE VIII: ACTIVITIES

Section 1. The chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year. Section 2. All members shall regularly participate in these projects. Section 3. These projects shall have the following characteristics: fulfill a need within the school community, have the support of the administration and the faculty, be appropriate and educationally defensible, and be well-planned, organized, and executed. Section 4. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in an individual service project which reflects his or her particular talents and interests and as approved by the chapter adviser. This is in addition to the chapter projects to which all members contribute. Section 5. The chapter shall publicize its projects in a positive manner.

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ARTICLE IX: EMBLEM Section 1. Each member of this chapter who is in good standing with regard to the membership standards and member obligations shall have the privilege of wearing the emblem adopted by the National Honor Society. (NOTE: The content of this section parallels Article XV, Section 3, of the national constitution, revised 2008). Section 2. Any member who withdraws, resigns, or is dismissed from the chapter shall return the emblem to the chapter. Section 3. Chapter members who are seniors in good standing shall be granted the privilege of wearing the honor cords at graduation. ARTICLE X: DUES Section 1. Annual dues for this chapter shall be $0.00. ARTICLE XI: POWERS Section 1. The chapter advisor is given the authority to supervise the administration of chapter activities, as delegated by the school principal. Section 2. The principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter. Section 3. These bylaws are designed to amplify provisions of the National Constitution and cannot contradict any components thereof. The chapter is obligated to adhere to the provisions of the National Constitution in all activities it undertakes.’ ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS Section 1. These bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the chapter, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given to members at least one month prior to the vote. The exceptions are Article III and IV (selection and discipline), which are developed by the Faculty Council with the approval of the principal. Section 2. By laws and amendments must be consistent with the Constitution of the National Honor Society.

12.13.12/svk, SN/lw 2/2016; 1/2017 rev.

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NHS – Faculty Evaluation Form

___________________________________________________________ has been chosen as a candidate for the (PRINT or TYPE Name of candidate) Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy chapter of the National Honor Society. Please rate the student, to the best of your knowledge, in the following areas, on a 1 (lowest) to a 5 (highest) scale. (NA) = no basis for evaluation. We are asking students to choose three teachers they have had during their junior year. Please be candid; evaluations will be kept in confidence. Please return this form to Mrs. Nemeth, Principal, within three days of the date it was received. Thank you.

Date Received by Evaluator ______________

Character: 1. Integrity, Honesty 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Courtesy, Respect 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Responsibility 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Leadership: 1. Initiative, Resourcefulness 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Reliability, Dependability 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Academic Achievement 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Exemplary Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Performance in Group Projects 1 2 3 4 5 NA

6. Positive Influence on Peers 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Citizenship/Service: 1. Attendance, Punctuality 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Preparedness 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Participation 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Timely Assignments 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Behavior, Compliance to Rules 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Please include any free response which might prove helpful to our evaluation. Your input is very important. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ _____________________________________ (Evaluator’s Name) Print (Evaluator’s Signature)

___________________________

(Current grade in your course) 12/13/2012/svk; SN/lw 2/2016 rev.

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NHS – Faculty Evaluation Form

___________________________________________________________ has been chosen as a candidate for the (PRINT or TYPE Name of candidate) Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy chapter of the National Honor Society. Please rate the student, to the best of your knowledge, in the following areas, on a 1 (lowest) to a 5 (highest) scale. (NA) = no basis for evaluation. We are asking students to choose three teachers they have had during their junior year. Please be candid; evaluations will be kept in confidence. Please return this form to Mrs. Nemeth, Principal, within three days of the date it was received. Thank you.

Date Received by Evaluator ______________

Character: 1. Integrity, Honesty 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Courtesy, Respect 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Responsibility 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Leadership: 1. Initiative, Resourcefulness 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Reliability, Dependability 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Academic Achievement 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Exemplary Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Performance in Group Projects 1 2 3 4 5 NA

6. Positive Influence on Peers 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Citizenship/Service: 1. Attendance, Punctuality 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Preparedness 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Participation 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Timely Assignments 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Behavior, Compliance to Rules 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Please include any free response which might prove helpful to our evaluation. Your input is very important. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ _____________________________________ (Evaluator’s Name) Print (Evaluator’s Signature)

___________________________

(Current grade in your course) 12/13/2012/svk; SN/lw 2/2016 rev.

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NHS – Faculty Evaluation Form

___________________________________________________________ has been chosen as a candidate for the (PRINT or TYPE Name of candidate) Mercer County Technical Schools-Health Science Academy chapter of the National Honor Society. Please rate the student, to the best of your knowledge, in the following areas, on a 1 (lowest) to a 5 (highest) scale. (NA) = no basis for evaluation. We are asking students to choose three teachers they have had during their junior year. Please be candid; evaluations will be kept in confidence. Please return this form to Mrs. Nemeth, Principal, within three days of the date it was received. Thank you.

Date Received by Evaluator ______________

Character: 1. Integrity, Honesty 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Courtesy, Respect 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Responsibility 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Leadership: 1. Initiative, Resourcefulness 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Reliability, Dependability 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Academic Achievement 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Exemplary Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Performance in Group Projects 1 2 3 4 5 NA

6. Positive Influence on Peers 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Citizenship/Service: 1. Attendance, Punctuality 1 2 3 4 5 NA Comments:

2. Preparedness 1 2 3 4 5 NA

3. Participation 1 2 3 4 5 NA

4. Timely Assignments 1 2 3 4 5 NA

5. Behavior, Compliance to Rules 1 2 3 4 5 NA

Please include any free response which might prove helpful to our evaluation. Your input is very important. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ _____________________________________ (Evaluator’s Name) Print (Evaluator’s Signature)

___________________________

(Current grade in your course) 12/13/2012/svk; SN/lw 2/2016 rev.